Duchess Kate’s Fashion in India and Bhutan Expected to Pay Tribute to Host Countries
The Duchess of Cambridge will no doubt have the world's eyes upon her.
-- No royal tour would be complete without a little glitz and glamour, and next week will be no exception when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit India and Bhutan on behalf of the Queen.
Duchess Kate is now taking an increasingly high-profile road in Britain's royal family. Next week, while the future King and Queen of England represent Queen Elizabeth II abroad on an important diplomatic mission, Kate will also attract attention on another front.
The dazzling duchess, 34, is reportedly bringing upwards of 32 outfit changes as she begins a charm offensive with the Indian and Bhutanese people. There are expected to be several opportunities where Her Majesty's jewels could be loaned to Kate.
Kate is certain to bring outfits from some of her favorite British go-to designers, including Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, Jenny Packham and Emilia Wickstead. The Duchess of Cambridge also always strives to honor local custom and highlight designers associated with the country she's visiting.
On her 2012 tour of Singapore, the Duchess of Cambridge paid a nod to Singapore-born Nepalese designer Prabal Gurung,
Kate wore a floor-length Saloni dress at a reception at Kensington Palace Wednesday night welcoming young people from India and Bhutan ahead of the royals' tour. Saloni Lodha has a boutique in London but draws on her Indian heritage in her designs. She studied in Mumbai, which will be the first stop on Will and Kate's tour.
While visiting New York City with William in 2014, Kate accessorized her stunning Jenny Packham dress with gorgeous emerald chandelier earrings. We are sure to see some bling on this tour as well.
The most likely place where Kate may borrow one of the Queen's tiaras is when she and William meet their royal hosts in Bhutan, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and his wife, Queen Jetsun Pema.
Kate wore the royal family’s Lotus Flower tiara at a state dinner at Buckingham Place honoring Chinese President Xi Jinping in October.
The duchess could make another subtle nod to William's late mother, Princess Diana, by wearing the Cambridge Lover’s Knot tiara, which was Diana's favorite tiara.
Kate wore the tiara for the first time at the annual Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace last December.
She and William will be making a poignant visit to the Taj Mahal at the end of next week and it would be another opportunity to evoke memories of the Princess of Wales, who was famously photographed alone there during her 1992 trip to India with Prince Charles.
The Duchess of Cambridge may also decide to wear the same necklace she borrowed from the Queen for the Portrait Gallery Gala in 2014. The diamond necklace was a gift to Her Majesty by the Nizam of Hyderabad in 1947 so it would be a natural piece for the Duchess to debut in India.
Kate could also wear the emerald choker necklace which was given to Princess Diana by the Queen. The jewels came from India and it would certainly be an appropriate way to honor the nation.
Whatever she chooses, the Duchess of Cambridge is sure to have not only India but the world watching.